Ijaw Women Rights’ Protection Forum Raises Alarm Over Rising Human Trafficking of Teenagers

By Chukwunonso Eric, Warri.

The Ijaw Women Rights’ Protection Forum (IWRPF) has issued a strong call to the Nigerian government, security agencies, community leaders and international partners to intensify efforts against the growing menace of human trafficking, particularly the illegal movement of teenagers abroad for sexual exploitation and forced labour.

In a statement made available to journalists, the forum described human trafficking as a “wicked act” that has destroyed the dreams, dignity and future of countless young people while leaving families devastated and heartbroken.

According to the group, many innocent teenagers are lured out of the country through false promises of employment opportunities, education and better living conditions overseas, only to end up facing abuse, violence and degrading treatment in foreign countries.

The forum expressed concern that while foreign nations do not send their own teenagers to Nigeria for such degrading activities, Nigerian youths continue to be trafficked abroad and subjected to exploitation.

“This should be a serious concern for every Nigerian,” the statement noted, stressing that the increasing rate of trafficking calls for urgent national attention and coordinated action.

The organization further advocated for tougher punishment against perpetrators, insisting that anyone found guilty of engaging in human trafficking, recruiting minors for sexual exploitation or supporting trafficking syndicates should face the full weight of the law without favoritism or political interference.

The forum urged the Federal Government to strengthen border security, improve intelligence gathering and increase public sensitization, especially in rural communities where many victims are recruited. It also called for the swift arrest and prosecution of traffickers across the country.

Parents and guardians were equally advised to closely monitor the activities and movements of their children and remain cautious of suspicious offers from strangers promising overseas opportunities.

Describing human trafficking as a crime against humanity, the forum emphasized that every Nigerian has a role to play in protecting vulnerable children and restoring hope, safety and dignity to young people at risk of exploitation.